Here's another quote verifying my assessment of Larry Sanders trade value now that he's demonstrated he's a knucklehead: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>NBA exec on Bucks trading Larry Sanders: "Who wants him now? And with that contract." 4 more years for $44M.</p>— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeryWoelfel/statuses/409095554723897344">December 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That's a good point. It's definitely an itch that's he's been trying to scratch for years. And all the chatter about a lotto pick tells me one very obvious thing, that Morey wants a third star and not just add a good player, or solid veteran, but a true star to form a "big three", just like Miami.
I'll take that knuckle-head (Larry Sanders) any day especially if it comes at the cost of only Asik. having a rotation at the 4/5 of Dwight, Sanders and Jones is tops in the league.
Makes sense...seems like we are not going to get the player we want with Asik. Morey may be pushing really strong for a draft pick and move on for something else of better value.
Melo and Harden on the same team? There’s only one ball. Who’s going to initiate the offense? Plus, there’ll be two HUGE holes at the other end. Just won’t work.
All the talk about Melo needs to die. True, Melo can put up great numbers, but I'm reminded of T-Mac every time I see his face, a loser. Also, no WC competitor will be eager to "help", not unless they get the better end of the deal. That leaves EC teams that aren't officially rebuilding, but definitely have their own roster problems, probably due to impending free agency or a hole in the middle.
I must say, if you consider the lottery pick aspect, the deals don't sound that pleasing in terms of teams with fit. 1. Dallas can really use Asik, but are they really a lottery team with him? I'd imagine that pick drop down to the 18~19th range 2. Portland can really use Asik, but they're not touching the lottery this year 3. NO has no lottery picks, and NO isn't trading Ryan Anderson for Asik. Not that I'm an Anderson fan, but NO isn't trading for him. 4. With Atlanta, the ideal fit is Millsap, not a pick. The fact that Morey's asking for picks signify ATL trade isn't really feasible for one side. 5. Phoenix, Philly are ideal fit for Asik, young teams who need a true defensive center, but they're tankers. Which brings me to the most likely trade partner... Boston Celtics Mind you, this is assuming they're not tanking and Rondo's coming back. If so, a trade of Asik for a top-10 protected pick and Courtney Lee seems very reasonable. Lee comes back as our defensive guy who shoot 3s. The pick will likely be 15th or 16th because the East sucks and Asik may push them into playoff territory.
nobody has mentioned this but how about Steve Nash and xavier henry for Asik and brooks Steve Nash if healthy which hopefully he can get to is exactly what we need a guy who can nail the wide open jumper, doesn't need the ball and can play 20 min/night and be on the court for the final 5 minutes and be a threat. We could play Nash Harden Parsons Jones Howard Lin Beverly Garcia Henry d-mo off the bench I just think Nash is exactly what we need for crunch time.....its ok if his defense is awful bc howard and t jones block alot of shots he wants a shot at a title.....he's not gonna get it on the lakers.
As long as what Morey supplies has a demand, there's no such thing as being smarter about Morey. You don't think NY called every other team in the NBA to get Jefferies contract off their books before coming back to Morey? If what Morey offers is unique and valuable, then teams will pay. That's simple economics. He's not a used car salesman. In every Morey trade the Rockets provide something very valuable. The only difference with Morey and other GMs is that he works harder. He's the person that sort through all the clearances to find something the best bargains that he would want, while other GMs don't bother and just buy at regular price.
Overall record, Boston is a bottom ten team, but being in the East kills their lotto chances for Wiggins. They either need to get worse, a lot worse, or get better. If they decide to get better, Asik is an obvious target, but Jeff Green's contract extends beyond next season, and I'd be shocked and stunned if Morey traded for him. Look for a role player (on short contract) plus a lottery pick or a solid veteran (also on short contract) plus a lower first round pick.
Anyone else think that this "thigh contusion" of Asik's is complete BS, and Morey is holding him out because ATL has already agreed to send us Millsap. We told ATL that we will still shop Asik, but will hold him out and deal him in Mid dec to the best offer. Also, I'm not convinced that Morey is demanding a backup C. If we have Millsap coming off our bench, our starting unit is still strong and will get us out to a lead and our bench will have Millsap and Lin to expand the lead.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Word is HOU asking price for Asik is a young player and a first round pick. Sense is that's too high for FA in 2015 owed $15 mill next year</p>— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisMannixSI/statuses/409145057220890624">December 7, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rockets putting cards on the table by setting a December 19th deadline, so price may come down. Likely will have to.</p>— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisMannixSI/statuses/409145252679655424">December 7, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
